OASC 'CANDIDATES' and WANNABES, PLEASE READ THIS THREAD FIRST!
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thanks so much to all you guys for the hopefully sound advice. I'm glad the majority voted what i instinctively feel is right, and dont worry i dont intend on touching the stuff ever again. Thanks especially to Gingerbread man for picking up on my misplaced vocab. Im supposed to have a degree in English and hate getting stuff like that wrong. No excuses. But seriously, thanks. Will keep you all posted on the response re drugsin a few weeks time. With a bit of luck i won't get a direct question like that, but true about Harry - good point although i think prince status may automatically give him a bit of an advantage somehow! I've really enjoyed reading everyone's comments on here and look forward to some interesting discussions and hope to contribute in the near future.
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They definately ask you "what, if any, involvement have you had with drugs". I'm sure it's one of the standard questions, just like the one about whether you've been in trouble with the law. I don't think that it will be a problem being honest about it in this case. This is simply because you've already let the cat out of the bag. Normally I would certainly recommend keeping it under wraps.
Anyway, good luck!
TMA
Anyway, good luck!
TMA
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The Week is a good one.
Speed Distance Time stuff.
Also, if making it onto part two, they assess you (as NCA) mostly on how you perform as a team MEMBER, not a leader. Guy from OASC did a talk at our UAS, and that is what he said. So when not leading, make sure you are concentrating on helping out, and not trying to take over the leader's lead. Seen it happen.
Good Luck!!
TMA
Speed Distance Time stuff.
Also, if making it onto part two, they assess you (as NCA) mostly on how you perform as a team MEMBER, not a leader. Guy from OASC did a talk at our UAS, and that is what he said. So when not leading, make sure you are concentrating on helping out, and not trying to take over the leader's lead. Seen it happen.
Good Luck!!
TMA
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Scud u like; purely statistics chap. get everyone smashed on crack in the bar on friday night I dare say there would be a scrap or two...
returning to the original question, no matter what has happened in the past, you have to be honest; they spot a liar from a mile away. and for me, Integrity and Loyalty are the big two in my bag. If you dont agree with the Queens commision then don't sign up! Im sure the interviewers may value honesty as opposed to disregarding someone for what could be considered in civilian life as an idiscression.(SP i know :-()
returning to the original question, no matter what has happened in the past, you have to be honest; they spot a liar from a mile away. and for me, Integrity and Loyalty are the big two in my bag. If you dont agree with the Queens commision then don't sign up! Im sure the interviewers may value honesty as opposed to disregarding someone for what could be considered in civilian life as an idiscression.(SP i know :-()
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Excellent argument ensuing that brings out another perspective on the pre-OASC use of recreational drugs.
In civilian life, low-level drug use (ie cannabis) has little social stigma and nowadays attracts no punishment. So, why all the breast-beating and employment of the "I was young and stupid" or "it was just an experiment" excuses? There is no point in self-justification or self-flagellation, it is more honest and rational to reason that " I am signing up to a way of life with different values to that of civilian life and I undertake to uphold these values; I do not particularly regret smoking cannabis (or whatever) but I understand it has no place in Service life where the consequenses of such actions can be all the more serious and would indicate a contempt for fundamental standards of behaviour."
On second thoughts, I doubt the "mature" line would catch on, and the "I was stupid and experimenting" excuse is the safest! Any thoughts from OASC boarders?
In civilian life, low-level drug use (ie cannabis) has little social stigma and nowadays attracts no punishment. So, why all the breast-beating and employment of the "I was young and stupid" or "it was just an experiment" excuses? There is no point in self-justification or self-flagellation, it is more honest and rational to reason that " I am signing up to a way of life with different values to that of civilian life and I undertake to uphold these values; I do not particularly regret smoking cannabis (or whatever) but I understand it has no place in Service life where the consequenses of such actions can be all the more serious and would indicate a contempt for fundamental standards of behaviour."
On second thoughts, I doubt the "mature" line would catch on, and the "I was stupid and experimenting" excuse is the safest! Any thoughts from OASC boarders?
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Quote...
The short, medium and long-term effects of illegal drug misuse can have damaging effects on mental and physical fitness and health, and therefore constitude a direct threat both to the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces and to the security and safety of the Service personnel and, potentially, the civilians they protect....
...The Armed Forces recognise, however, that drug misuse is increasingly common in civilian life, particularly amoung the young, and that your may have misused drugs yourself in the past. This will not necessarily prevent you from enlisting, as all applications are considered individually and acceptance into the Services will depend on the frequency of use and the class and type of drug that has been misused. Criminal trafficking or supply of any class will bar entry in to the Services.
Once you have joined the Armed Forces, you must not misuse drugs - you are required to stay clear of drugs and to avoid association with drug misusers and suppliers.
- AFCO Form 5 May 2004
- Application and Information Guidance Booklet for Application to HM's Armed Forces
The short, medium and long-term effects of illegal drug misuse can have damaging effects on mental and physical fitness and health, and therefore constitude a direct threat both to the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces and to the security and safety of the Service personnel and, potentially, the civilians they protect....
...The Armed Forces recognise, however, that drug misuse is increasingly common in civilian life, particularly amoung the young, and that your may have misused drugs yourself in the past. This will not necessarily prevent you from enlisting, as all applications are considered individually and acceptance into the Services will depend on the frequency of use and the class and type of drug that has been misused. Criminal trafficking or supply of any class will bar entry in to the Services.
Once you have joined the Armed Forces, you must not misuse drugs - you are required to stay clear of drugs and to avoid association with drug misusers and suppliers.
- AFCO Form 5 May 2004
- Application and Information Guidance Booklet for Application to HM's Armed Forces
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OASC 'CANDIDATES' and WANNABES, PLEASE READ THIS THREAD FIRST!
I seem to recall talking to an OiC AFCO a while ago about this, though more to so with OR recruiting than OASC. IIRC an experimentation (but not regular use) with Cannabis (now Class C) was OK-ish but anything higher was a no-no. It was surprising how many people were being binned for thinking that XTC is not illegal, or at the most a Class C drug.
If ever having experienced Cannabis was grounds for being kicked out then my entire JOCC course are gonners, since the DAPO copper lit the corner of the biggest block of Cannabis Resin you ever saw and passed it round during his lecture. Admittedly he did watch to see no-one held on to it for too long: it was "just so we knew what it smelt like".
On the subject of DAPO, bearing in mind when I went through IOT the more generous attitude to drugs had not come into force, the following incident made us all chuckle:
Picture the scene, 80-odd IOT cadets in Whittle Hall for DAPO lecture. Copper says, "Come on you lot, half of you were students so you must have had a go. Anybody had a sniff of Hash?" Whittle Hall always had a soporific effect so I can only assume the person involved was half-asleep, but they raised their hand. 79 pairs of eyes went wide and stared in disbelief at the suicidal gesture (just before collapsing in hysterics), and one person quickly sank very low in their seat and hoped that none of the staff were present (they got away with it - just).
How we all laughed on the way to the serious burns unit!!!!!
If ever having experienced Cannabis was grounds for being kicked out then my entire JOCC course are gonners, since the DAPO copper lit the corner of the biggest block of Cannabis Resin you ever saw and passed it round during his lecture. Admittedly he did watch to see no-one held on to it for too long: it was "just so we knew what it smelt like".
On the subject of DAPO, bearing in mind when I went through IOT the more generous attitude to drugs had not come into force, the following incident made us all chuckle:
Picture the scene, 80-odd IOT cadets in Whittle Hall for DAPO lecture. Copper says, "Come on you lot, half of you were students so you must have had a go. Anybody had a sniff of Hash?" Whittle Hall always had a soporific effect so I can only assume the person involved was half-asleep, but they raised their hand. 79 pairs of eyes went wide and stared in disbelief at the suicidal gesture (just before collapsing in hysterics), and one person quickly sank very low in their seat and hoped that none of the staff were present (they got away with it - just).
How we all laughed on the way to the serious burns unit!!!!!
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Please don't lie. Apart from the fact that you've mentioned it once (which will have been recorded), so long as you don't touch them now, then you don't have a problem. Although I can't remember details, I do remember that they changed the question and the (automatic) reaction some years ago, to allow for such people as yourself. Take your advice from people who are up to date. Even going back to your CIO and asking them EXACTLY what the policy is, may put your mind at rest. After all, CIOs take their guidance from OASC and receive regular policy updates.
Otherwise good luck.
Unmissable.
Otherwise good luck.
Unmissable.
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littlepom,
At the end of the day you cant go back and change things... you tried it and you told the RAF you did. Guarenteed something like that WILL have gone down on your file.
Stick to your story and if it comes up at OASC (which it probably will) then answer something along the lines of
"I did sample cannabis when i was at university but found that i did not like it and have not touched it since. I understand that drugs and service life do not mix and would never dabble in it again as it would be a risk to both myself and others."
Make it clear you understand the RAF's policy on drugs, but also don't go back on what you've said. As pointed out, OASC will respect you for being honest and sticking to your story, but you have to make it 100% clear to them that you understand its wrong and that you wouldnt do it again.
Best of luck
At the end of the day you cant go back and change things... you tried it and you told the RAF you did. Guarenteed something like that WILL have gone down on your file.
Stick to your story and if it comes up at OASC (which it probably will) then answer something along the lines of
"I did sample cannabis when i was at university but found that i did not like it and have not touched it since. I understand that drugs and service life do not mix and would never dabble in it again as it would be a risk to both myself and others."
Make it clear you understand the RAF's policy on drugs, but also don't go back on what you've said. As pointed out, OASC will respect you for being honest and sticking to your story, but you have to make it 100% clear to them that you understand its wrong and that you wouldnt do it again.
Best of luck
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LP,
I was in a very similar situation to you, I stupidly admitted to the Navy that I had tried cannabis, once, which is true. I later realised that this could potentially look like i was once a regular user playing my habit down. When I got to OASC i stuck to my guns as mentioned before on this thread, but made it very clear that "Yes i have come into contact with cannabis and on one occasion i was foolish enough to try it, but have not touched it since"
What must look a bit suspicious is 10 young guys in suits waiting to be interviewed who have captained their rugby team, climbed mountains, toured Australia and ... not once even seen or smelt cannabis?
One word, "integrity", the RAF love it.
Anyway, what i think is irrelevent, but to answer your question, i got in!
GF
I was in a very similar situation to you, I stupidly admitted to the Navy that I had tried cannabis, once, which is true. I later realised that this could potentially look like i was once a regular user playing my habit down. When I got to OASC i stuck to my guns as mentioned before on this thread, but made it very clear that "Yes i have come into contact with cannabis and on one occasion i was foolish enough to try it, but have not touched it since"
What must look a bit suspicious is 10 young guys in suits waiting to be interviewed who have captained their rugby team, climbed mountains, toured Australia and ... not once even seen or smelt cannabis?
One word, "integrity", the RAF love it.
Anyway, what i think is irrelevent, but to answer your question, i got in!
GF
Hmmm. If you were to say "I did sample cannabis when I was at university but found that I did not like it....", it would merely imply that you might have continued to abuse it if you had "liked it".
I say again, there are plenty of non-drug abusers to choose from, particularly now that recruiters can afford to be very selective. And, out of interest, you might like to know that I never heard of anyone who admitted to a previous instance of drug-abuse ever getting beyond the initial UAS interview.
I say again, there are plenty of non-drug abusers to choose from, particularly now that recruiters can afford to be very selective. And, out of interest, you might like to know that I never heard of anyone who admitted to a previous instance of drug-abuse ever getting beyond the initial UAS interview.
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Maybe not 'liked it', perhaps a change of words? 
I think that now he's said it, he'll have to see it through though...a change of story could do your chances more harm than confessing but explaining the circumstances etc.
I think that now he's said it, he'll have to see it through though...a change of story could do your chances more harm than confessing but explaining the circumstances etc.
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hey just completed my training in cranners months ago I also came from within.
Go for it really want it because I promise when they put that brevet on you and you are gettin payed loads then you will think I wish i had done this sooner!!!!!!
As for advice has anyone told you about
http://www.airmenaircrew.freeserve.c...e/frameset.htm
try that as a helper
Good Luck M8
Go for it really want it because I promise when they put that brevet on you and you are gettin payed loads then you will think I wish i had done this sooner!!!!!!
As for advice has anyone told you about
http://www.airmenaircrew.freeserve.c...e/frameset.htm
try that as a helper
Good Luck M8
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OASC Drugs
Having been just left a recruiting job in an AFCO very recently. I was chatting with the RAF OC in the office over lunch and he mentioned that use of drugs was pretty much a bar to entry in the RAF certainly as aircrew and any experimentation at all was not acceptable. The RN accept that people experiment and it is not a problem if a person has tried a drug once provided it stopped there. I suggest that you don't lie as the Careers officer will have noted it in your report and they will read it at OASC. If it doesn't work out and you are serious about a career as military pilot, try the RN.
Hope it works out for you.
Hope it works out for you.
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What cobblers!!
Just tell them the truth, I did! (let us not forget that integrity is a corner stone of being an Officer!)
Yes I tried it (once) didn't like it and wished I had never done it to start with. However, 4000hrs later it hasn't flashed back in my mind nor did it bar me from entry to the air force.
I would rather have a guy who is honest than someone who lies out of his arse! We all have skeletons in the closet, which if they came out might not get us into a UAS and I'll bet the person doing the UAS interview has one too!!!
OH yes I get drunk on the odd occasion too
Just tell them the truth, I did! (let us not forget that integrity is a corner stone of being an Officer!)
Yes I tried it (once) didn't like it and wished I had never done it to start with. However, 4000hrs later it hasn't flashed back in my mind nor did it bar me from entry to the air force.
I would rather have a guy who is honest than someone who lies out of his arse! We all have skeletons in the closet, which if they came out might not get us into a UAS and I'll bet the person doing the UAS interview has one too!!!
OH yes I get drunk on the odd occasion too
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Oasc
I'm an 18 year old PPL who is going to OASC this sunday. I applied for the sixth form scholorship in 2002, passed the medical and aptitude tests, but failed the interview. Now I have finished taking A-levels, I have decided to apply for direct entry as a pilot and was hoping for some advice on surviving the rest of OASC, particularly the interview. I would also be grateful of some current information on the IOT course, as I was questioned on it last time but my information was out of date.
Thanks
Thanks
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What feedback did you receive as to why you failed the interview?
Be positive, project yourself and ennunciate, don't bull$hit; if you don't know the answer to something then say so.
It's pretty fast paced, so try and be concise. If one of the boarding officers cuts you off and proceeds onto another topic or area then that was all they wanted to hear and are moving on! Do a dry run in your head beforehand; think about your replies to areas such as participation in team sports, school and university clubs, cadets/UAS, previous demonstration of responsibility and leadership etc. Why do you want to be a pilot? Why do you want to be an officer? Which is more important? What if you fail pilot selection but are offered a ground branch? If you don't want to be a Nav, how do you explain it to the Navigator Sqn Ldr across the desk who is interviewing you? What do you think about recreational drugs?
There are loads more similar to the above. Current affairs and Service knowledge forms a fair chunk of the interview. If you haven't been in the ATC/CCF, or taken part in team sports, then have a reason why. The majority of candidates failing interview at OASC do so because they do not come across as being positive enough.
Good Luck. And try and relax when you're there.
ST
Be positive, project yourself and ennunciate, don't bull$hit; if you don't know the answer to something then say so.
It's pretty fast paced, so try and be concise. If one of the boarding officers cuts you off and proceeds onto another topic or area then that was all they wanted to hear and are moving on! Do a dry run in your head beforehand; think about your replies to areas such as participation in team sports, school and university clubs, cadets/UAS, previous demonstration of responsibility and leadership etc. Why do you want to be a pilot? Why do you want to be an officer? Which is more important? What if you fail pilot selection but are offered a ground branch? If you don't want to be a Nav, how do you explain it to the Navigator Sqn Ldr across the desk who is interviewing you? What do you think about recreational drugs?
There are loads more similar to the above. Current affairs and Service knowledge forms a fair chunk of the interview. If you haven't been in the ATC/CCF, or taken part in team sports, then have a reason why. The majority of candidates failing interview at OASC do so because they do not come across as being positive enough.
Good Luck. And try and relax when you're there.
ST
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http://www.timc.clara.net/raf.htm
http://home.clara.net/timc/OASCInfo.htm
http://www.airmenaircrew.freeserve.co.uk/oasc/oasc.htm
Are useful links.
Ensure your aptitude and fitness etc are up to an above-average standard and for the interview, know your current affairs. Aim for about 5 International events and 5 UK ones in depth. Some of these will be chosen to be developed further so make sure you know your facts. As stated above, if you don't know something, say so, don't waffle. The interviewer may give you some brief details and ask for your opinions etc.
Also know your CV off the top of your head. What quals do you have? Grades? Why did you pick those courses? Which did you enjoy? What aspects of each did you find easy and enjoyable? etc. We all have things we dont want to bring up i.e. periods of unemployment, imprisionment etc, but turn them into positives. What did these things teach you and what did you bring from them? Show what you've learned to become a better person, and make yourself come across as the best person for the job. In particular show off times and skills which show you possess the specific qualities they're looking for.
Start the interview with a handshake and as a wise man once said to me "eye contact and a 'how'd you do' goes a long way". If you do this, leave the same way with a handshake. Sit up straight in the chair, dont fiddle (hands in lap however tempting) and look the person you're speaking to in the eye. If you cant do it all the time, do it when they're speaking to you, it shows eagerness and interest.
Theres a few books out on how to improve interview technique, well worth buying... The one i have says that only 7% of your impact on an interview comes from what you say, the rest is appearance and position etc. Take that into account.
Best of luck to ya mate
http://home.clara.net/timc/OASCInfo.htm
http://www.airmenaircrew.freeserve.co.uk/oasc/oasc.htm
Are useful links.
Ensure your aptitude and fitness etc are up to an above-average standard and for the interview, know your current affairs. Aim for about 5 International events and 5 UK ones in depth. Some of these will be chosen to be developed further so make sure you know your facts. As stated above, if you don't know something, say so, don't waffle. The interviewer may give you some brief details and ask for your opinions etc.
Also know your CV off the top of your head. What quals do you have? Grades? Why did you pick those courses? Which did you enjoy? What aspects of each did you find easy and enjoyable? etc. We all have things we dont want to bring up i.e. periods of unemployment, imprisionment etc, but turn them into positives. What did these things teach you and what did you bring from them? Show what you've learned to become a better person, and make yourself come across as the best person for the job. In particular show off times and skills which show you possess the specific qualities they're looking for.
Start the interview with a handshake and as a wise man once said to me "eye contact and a 'how'd you do' goes a long way". If you do this, leave the same way with a handshake. Sit up straight in the chair, dont fiddle (hands in lap however tempting) and look the person you're speaking to in the eye. If you cant do it all the time, do it when they're speaking to you, it shows eagerness and interest.
Theres a few books out on how to improve interview technique, well worth buying... The one i have says that only 7% of your impact on an interview comes from what you say, the rest is appearance and position etc. Take that into account.
Best of luck to ya mate
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Thanks guys, I appreciate you taking the time to reply. I've taken on board what you've told me and looked at the websites, and hopefully I'll make it through this time.
Thanks again
Thanks again